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Friday, October 12, 2007

Just when the ongoing soap opera that is the Los Angeles Lakers seemed to be quieting down, a new wrinkle has emerged. Longtime Lakers owner Jerry Buss, during his annual training camp interviews, revealed that he will continue to entertain all reasonable trade offers for disgruntled Kobe Bryant. This news comes as Kobe has been quiet as of late and reacquainting himself with his teammates and getting ready for the season. Buss did however stress that it would take quite a bit for him to even consider parting with Kobe. He also said that he hopes that a successful Lakers season will go a long way towards smoothing the situation over to the point where a trade would not even happen. Kobe, for his part, issued a statement basically amounting to no comment. Considering that Kobe has an opt out in his contract in 2 years and coach Phil Jackson is in the final year of his contract, this upcoming Lakers season figures to be a pivotal one in the history of this storied franchise. The Lakers tipoff their season at Staples Center on 10/30 against Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets. Need Lakers tickets for opening night or any game this season? Check www.ticketrequest.com/sports.html

Now that Radiohead has released (Oct. 10) it's long awaited album of new material "In Rainbows" (fans were able to name their own price for the digital download), their is talk of an upcoming tour. Speaking to Rolling Stone, guitarist Jonny Greenwood explained that the band members were discussing the details of forthcoming live dates "[Touring is] exactly what we finally started talking about," he explained. "Now that the album's out, we can get together exactly how and where we're going to tour." Stay posted to this blog and also www.ticketrequest.com/concerts.html for more Radiohead tour news and ticket listings!

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

The sound you heard Monday was the majority of Laker Nation breathing a sigh of relief. For what you may ask? The sight of Kobe Bryant in a Lakers jersey smiling at Monday's media day in El Segundo. Up until the moment #24 walked thru the door (albeit 30 minutes late due to a doctor appt.) there was uncertainty surrounding the Lakers star and if he would hold out during training camp. Following another disappointing season/1st round playoff exit, Kobe let loose his frustrations thru the early part of the summer. What followed was a series of bizarre radio interviews in which he demanded/rescinded/reiterated trade demands. He sited the Lakers inability to surround him with the necessary pieces required to compete in the rugged NBA Western Conference. He claimed he was mislead by Lakers owner Jerry Buss when he resigned with the club as a free agent. Bryant claims Buss promised to build a winning team around him immediately. However, upon learning Buss told coach Phil Jackson they were going to be in rebuilding mode, Bryant felt even more betrayed. Everything boiled over with Kobe hearing an "insider" within the Lakers organization pinned the departure of ShaquilleO'Neal squarely on his shoulders. Bryant then focused the majority of his summer on TeamUSA and bringing home the gold at the FIBA Tournament of the America's in Las Vegas and thus qualifying for the 2008 Olympics. What seems apparent following Monday's media day is the summer has helped soothe Kobe's frustration as has the addition of former teammate Derek Fisher as well as the re-signing of Luke Walton and Chris Mihm. For now Kobe is putting on a brave face and saying all the right things. What remains to be seen though, is how long this will last and what happens if the Lakers don't improve this season. One thing is for sure, this will be one interesting season down at Staples Center! Looking for Los Angeles Lakers tickets at Staples Center? Check www.ticketrequest.com/sports.html